investigating the effect of personal protective equipment on reducing firefighters' exposure to pathogenic agents in rescue operations

firefighters face significant occupational health risks, including exposure to pathogenic agents such as carcinogens, toxic chemicals, and biological pathogens during rescue operations. personal protective equipment (ppe) including turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus (scba), gloves, and boots is designed to reduce this exposure. however, the effectiveness of ppe depends on proper use, maintenance, and compliance. this research investigates the effect of ppe on reducing firefighters' exposure to pathogenic agents in rescue operations, focusing on shiraz fire department. using a mixed-method approach combining health screening of ۱۲۰ firefighters, ppe compliance observation during ۵۰ rescue operations, and semi-structured interviews with ۲۰ fire department officers and occupational health experts, the research examines the relationship between ppe use and biological markers of exposure. findings reveal that firefighters who consistently use full ppe have ۶۵% lower levels of carcinogenic metabolites in urine samples compared to those with inconsistent use. however, only ۴۵% of firefighters consistently use full ppe during all operations. key barriers to consistent use include discomfort (reported by ۵۸%), time pressure (۴۲%), and inadequate training (۳۵%). contamination transfer from ppe to skin and personal vehicles is a significant secondary exposure pathway (detected in ۷۲% of cases). the research concludes that ppe is effective in reducing exposure but requires improved design for comfort, enhanced decontamination protocols, and mandatory training.

کلیدواژه ها:

personal protective equipment ، firefighters ، occupational exposure ، pathogenic agents ، shiraz